What Is a Gulet Boat? Everything to Know Before Booking a Charter

Thinking of booking a gulet cruise but not sure what to expect? This post breaks down what a gulet boat actually is, how it differs from sailing yachts, and what the onboard experience is like. From types of vessels to how much they cost and what sailing looks like in reality, this post covers all the essentials. Ideal if you’re planning a Croatia or Turkey yacht holiday and want to make an informed choice.

Key Takeaways:

• Gulets are motor-sailing yachts that mainly cruise with engines, using sails only in ideal conditions.
• Not all gulets are built for sailing, and some may not even raise sails during your trip.
• Cabins and service levels vary, from basic to ultra-luxury, depending on the gulet category.
• You can participate in sailing, but the crew’s top priority is safety and smooth cruising.
• Croatia and Turkey offer top gulet options, with weekly rates starting around €16,000.

How Goolets Creates Your Bespoke Charter

Is gulet boat sailing for you?

If you are still trying to figure out if gulet holidays are for you, this post will be very helpful. If you are looking for general ideas about gulet sailing experiences, check them here. 

You will learn everything about:

• What is a gulet boat?
• How much does a cruise cost?
• What can you experience on a gulet
• Things you might and might not like

Most gulets do not sail, or sail very few times

Gulets are motor-sailors. This means they are crewed motor sailing yachts that primarily use the engine, but they can also sail. However, not all gulets are equipped for true sailing; some lack sails altogether, while some have a crew that is not very keen on sailing.

If sailing is a must for you, let us know

Some gulets are not built for sailing at all. If sailing is incredibly important to you, let your agent know when you send your inquiry.

If there is no wind, the gulet cannot sail

Even if we promise you some great sailing, and you come to Turkey for 7 days, and there is no wind... Unfortunately, you won’t be able to sail. We are, of course, very sorry if that happens, but we can’t change the weather. The fact is, gulets are quite big vessels and they need much stronger wind than 40-foot sailing yachts.

When the sails go up, the crew is fully focused on sailing

If the crew is fully engaged in sailing, they won’t be able to offer full service, like serving drinks, until the sails are down. They’ll be focused on keeping the journey smooth and safe, so once you’re anchored in a bay, they’ll return to their usual attentive service.

Feel free to assist the crew

Feel free to join the crew during the sailing process—it’s a fun, hands-on experience and a great way to support your crew while learning something new. But do this only if you feel comfortable and confident in your capabilities. Remember, safety first!

Here is a selection of Croatian luxury motor-sailing yachts

Best luxury motor-sailors in Turkey